Farmer to Farmer Mentorship
Get 1-on-1 Guidance from an Experienced Farmer
A good fit for the program is someone who:
Is actively producing agricultural products for commercial sale
Has operated their farm business for at least one year
Has established markets or customers for their products
Can identify specific farm production, management, marketing, or business challenges they would like help addressing
Is actively working toward the long-term viability of their farm business
Has the time and capacity to participate fully in the mentorship
Sometimes the best way to move your farm business forward is to learn directly from someone who has already navigated similar challenges.
Sierra Harvest's Farmer-to-Farmer Mentorship Program connects beginning farmers and ranchers with experienced regional farmers for individualized, hands-on guidance. Mentorships are designed around the specific goals and challenges of each participating farm business, giving beginning farmers an opportunity to learn from an experienced producer whose knowledge and experience align with their needs.Learn best practices for your farming operation
Who is this program for?
The Mentorship Program is designed for beginning farmers who are already operating a commercial farm business and have been in business for at least one year.
This program is not designed for people who are still deciding whether to start a farm, developing a homestead or personal garden, or looking for general guidance about what to grow or what type of farm business to create.
If you're earlier in your farming journey, we'd still love to support you! Sierra Harvest's Farm Biz course, Ag Skills classes, workshops, and other Farm Institute resources can help you develop your skills and business concept and prepare for future participation in the Mentorship Program.
How It Works
Experienced farmer mentors empower beginning farmers through one-on-one guidance as they grow their businesses, add farm enterprises, hone production skills, manage labor, balance farm and life, and more.
The mentorship program typically runs March - November. Mentors and mentees work together to set goals for the mentorship season and build a communication system tailored for their individual needs and preferences. Unlike many internship programs, the mentee is not required to help on the mentor’s farm. Instead, the mentor & mentee visit each other's farms at least once during the season, and the mentor is available to communicate and answer questions via phone and email.
Mentors will be paid for their knowledge and skills, as well as receive mileage reimbursement. Mentees will receive a stipend upon successful completion of the program.
Program Requirements
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Applicants must have been operating their farm business for at least one year prior to application date. We have found that farmers at this stage have more experience with basic farming issues and know where they need guidance.
Mentees must be actively working toward building or growing a commercial farm or ranch business. This program is not designed for hobby farming, homesteading, or general land management questions.
Selected mentees are expected to come prepared with specific goals for the mentorship, communicate consistently with their mentor and Sierra Harvest staff, participate in all scheduled mentorship sessions, and complete required program evaluations and check-ins.
Participant stipends are intended to support active participation in the full mentorship program and are distributed according to program requirements and payment timelines established by Sierra Harvest.
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Our team matches experienced farmers with mentees based on production focus and geographic proximity. Mentors must be actively operating a farm or ranch business and have several years of experience relevant to the mentee’s goals.
Mentors are compensated for their time and expertise, and mileage reimbursement is provided for travel to mentees’ farms.
Apply at any time!
Applications accepted on a rolling basis
If you've been farming for less than 10 years in the Sierra Foothills in the following counties - Nevada, Placer, El Dorado, or Yuba, you are a good candidate to receive mentorship!
Because mentorships are individualized and space is limited, submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Sierra Harvest staff review applications for program eligibility and fit and make final participant and mentor-matching decisions.
Questions? Get in touch with us!
"[My mentor] has been gracious enough to offer her invaluable guidance and support. Seeing other successful farmers who have overcome the many challenges to build thriving businesses gives me courage and strength."
- Keerti of Crow Song Farms, 2023 mentee
Interested, but not sure you're ready?
If you haven't yet operated a commercial farm business for at least one year, that's okay. We encourage you to explore other Farm Institute programs designed to help aspiring and very early-stage farmers build the skills, business plans, and experience needed to establish a viable farm business.